are closer to zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are closer to zero" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing values or measurements that are approaching the value of zero. Example: "The results of the experiment indicate that the error margins are closer to zero than previously estimated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

For technicians and clerks, columns (3) and (4), coefficients are closer to zero and never significant.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

We can see that the proposed predictor provides the smallest error power and the prediction errors are closer to zero.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Including those states as mandatory E-Verify states gives estimated coefficients that are closer to zero, as expected if those laws have little effect.

IZA Journal of Migration

A similar pattern is observed on total modified Whipple's index (W tot), a summary index which suggests the lower the values are closer to zero the less the extent of digit preference in age reporting.

Genus

The error values for the training in experiment 1 from Table 1 are the best set of parameters because the errors for W, R, and P are closer to zero compared to the values for the other experiments.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Regarding the ASI phenotype, the best individuals are those whose phenotypic values are closer to zero.

Heredity

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Lead stocks are closer to one week's worth.

The Economist

"But, with software, marginal costs are close to zero.

The New Yorker

Nominal interest rates in many places are close to zero.

The Economist

"State government surpluses are close to zero.

Forbes

Marginal costs are close to zero.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are closer to zero" when comparing values or measurements that are approaching the value of zero, especially when precision is important in scientific or technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "are closer to zero" when the values are significantly different from zero, as it can mislead the reader. Instead, use phrases that accurately reflect the magnitude of the difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are closer to zero" functions as a comparative descriptor, indicating that certain values are approaching zero more closely than other values. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, primarily scientific and technical.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are closer to zero" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe values that are approaching zero. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in scientific and news domains. It serves as a comparative descriptor, highlighting a reduction in magnitude or error. While alternatives like "approach zero" and "near zero" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance and context. The frequency of the phrase is common, indicating its widespread acceptance in written English. When using this phrase, ensure the values are indeed diminishing towards zero to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approach zero

Focuses on the act of tending toward zero, often implying a limit or trend.

near zero

Indicates proximity to zero, highlighting the smallness of a value.

tend to zero

Suggests a gradual decrease towards zero over time or iterations.

converge to zero

Implies a mathematical convergence towards zero, often in a series or function.

are approximately zero

Highlights the negligible value of something, suggesting it is almost zero.

are virtually zero

Emphasizes that something is so close to zero that it can be considered as such for practical purposes.

are nearing zero

Suggests a process where values move in the direction of zero.

are approaching zero

Similar to 'nearing zero', but may imply a more deliberate movement.

get closer to zero

Emphasizes the dynamic process of values diminishing towards zero.

move closer to zero

Emphasizes the dynamic process of values diminishing towards zero.

FAQs

How can I use "are closer to zero" in a sentence?

You can use "are closer to zero" to describe values that are diminishing or approaching zero, like "The error margins "are closer to zero" than previously estimated".

What are some alternatives to saying "are closer to zero"?

Alternatives include "approach zero", "near zero", or "tend to zero", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "are closer to zero" instead of "are zero"?

"Are closer to zero" is appropriate when the values are not exactly zero but are approaching it, indicating a smaller magnitude. "Are zero" should be used only when the values are precisely zero.

What does it mean when values "are closer to zero" in a scientific context?

In science, when values "are closer to zero", it often indicates a reduction in error, a diminished effect, or a convergence towards a baseline or null state. This can be significant in experiments and data analysis.